“At the stroke of today’s midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom”, said Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India on 15th August 1947 after country got freedom from British rule.
This year, we are celebrating the 71st year of Independence. India was born as a free democratic country which had many challenges ahead.
The 71st Independence day was celebrated by Lourdes Central School, Bejai, Mangaluru at the school grounds at 8:00 am. Ms.Francisca, the staff of LCS, hosted the programme.
The Chief Guest of today’s function Serg. Shrikanth Shetty Bala, Retd. Indian Air Force Officer was given a rousing guard of honour from the School band, Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Bulbuls and was escorted by the Principal Rev.Fr.Robert D’Souza, Vice-Principal Ms.Belita Mascarenhas, Manager Rev.Fr.Wilson Vitus D’Souza, and Vice-President, of Bejai Parish Parishad, Mr.Stanny Vas.
Ms.Riya of class IV A invited Father Principal to speak few motivational words. Fr. Principal introduced the Chief Guest with a floral bouquet and briefed about his achievements and contributions to the nation and society. He also welcomed the August gathering.
The programme began with a prayer song which was led by the school choir. The highlight of today’s programme was, reminiscing the unsung freedom heroes by students of class IV A, guided by Ma’am Shanthi.
Melisha D’Sa and Adithya Ballal of Class X highlighted the significance of the day in Hindi and English respectively.
The Chief Guest unfurled the National flag along with the dignitaries. The National Anthem was sung by one and all followed by an oath-taking ceremony. The School choir regaled the audience with a Patriotic song which filled each one’s heart with patriotism. This was followed by Fr. Manager’s speech. He stressed on Unity in Diversity, tolerance and importance of the day.
The Chief Guest Serg. Shri Shrikanth Shetty Bala, in his Keynote address, spoke about the patriotism that every citizen should uphold towards our country and highlighted the heroic deeds of soldiers. He also spoke about inculcating values among students, to be selfless in their service and contribute to the nation by utilizing our resources.
The Chief Guest distributed prizes to the students who won in the competitions conducted in connection with the Independence Day Celebration. He was honoured with a memento and a shawl by Fr. Principal.
Shama Bhat, the deputy Head Girl, proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme concluded with the distribution of sweets to all students.
